[StBernard] St. Bernard Grand Opening of Government Complex and Council on Aging

Westley Annis Westley at da-parish.com
Wed Feb 4 18:16:05 EST 2009


Grand openings held Feb. 2 at newly built St. Bernard Council on Aging and
renovated Parish Government Complex



More than 250 attended the grand opening celebration Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to
3 p.m. for the newly built St. Bernard Council on Aging and the renovated
Parish Government Complex.



The program began with remarks from St. Bernard Parish President Craig
Taffaro, Paul Rainwater of the Louisiana Recovery Authority as well as other
officials. Officials cut ribbons at both adjacent facilities at 8201 W.
Judge Perez Drive in Chalmette.



In front of the Government Complex, President Taffaro called this day "one
of many celebrations" yet to come. He told visitors that that St. Bernard
Parish Government Complex has a new blue roof and the Council on Aging has a
green roof "to make it clear it is a separate entity.. This is your
building. Enjoy it."



He thanked Ricky Boles, from Pete Vicari Construction that was in charge of
the Government Complex, Timothy McDonald from T-Mac Construction that was in
charge of the Council on Aging. He also thanked Rick Stierwald, St. Bernard
Project Manager for Council on Aging, Gil Carlin, parish project manager for
the construction at the Government Complex and CDM, the firm that also is
the parish project manager for both projects.



President Taffaro recognized Susan McNeil, the director of the council on
Aging, its board of directors as well as Leoncio "Chris" Roussel, a
long-time supporter and advocate of the Council on Aging.



"We are going to continue to rework our process to get you the funds as
fast as possible," said Paul Rainwater of the LRA. He recognized the efforts
of President Taffaro and School Board Superintendent Doris Voitier, who was
in attendance. "They don't let me rest for one day," Rainwater said. "They
continuously work on your behalf. When I see people like this, they continue
to motivate me."



Sen. A.G. Crowe was on hand to present from him, state Rep. Nita Hutter and
state Rep. Reed Henderson, the state and United State flags that had flown
at the state Capitol. Sen. Crowe recognized the efforts of the current local
public officials as well as those previous office holders who have worked so
hard at the recovery since Hurricane Katrina. "This is a major move toward
recovery, and we will continue to serve you."



Shortly after the ribbon cutting at the Government Complex, led by the
Chalmette High School Jazz Band with Band Director Jason Rusk, officials
proceeded to the Council on Aging where more than 200 people waited to the
cut the ribbon at the adjacent building.



At that building, President Taffaro said that it has been a long time
coming. He thanked the senior citizens for their patience while they met in
a series of nearby trailers, waiting for the construction to be completed.



While much of the area suffered devastation at the hands of Katrina, "to see
(reconstruction) to completion is what makes us different from other areas
of the state," President Taffaro said. "Thank you for sticking with us, with
the Council on Aging and with St. Bernard Parish. Enjoy your new home. "



As part of the opening ceremony at the Parish Government Complex, President
Taffaro unveiled a large oyster replica with the St. Bernard Parish symbol
on it as part of a program he is starting to celebrate the parish's heritage
in a special way. He said he is going to announce details on how to buy
these replicas for businesses to display as a way "to identify our cultural
richness.. New Orleans has the Fleur de Lis. and street cars and now we have
our oyster. "



Susan McNeil, director of the Council on Aging, told visitors that she can't
take credit for building the complex, but she can take credit for the vision
for the new Council on Aging. "I want you to feel like you are home. It is
all state of the art. Look at the new bingo board. Isn't this great?"



This significant step of construction at both buildings in St. Bernard's
recovery represents an investment of more than $7.15 million in FEMA
funding.



A combination of funds from FEMA and insurance proceeds covered the repairs
to the hurricane damaged buildings, including $4.4 million to the Parish
Government Complex. That included renovations to the second floor as well as
a complete rebuild of the first flood. The repairs affected about 50,000
square feet including the Council Chambers, which were completed this
summer.



The renovation of the government complex allowed many government offices
that were operating out of trailers since Katrina in the parking lot to move
into a permanent home. Those office trailers were auctioned and removed in
November and December.



Now the new building offers public friendly access with the important Office
of Community Development and Resident Services and Compliance located on the
first floor right off the main atrium lobby. The offices of Housing and
Development, Registrar of Voters and the Parish Council also are located
downstairs in brand new offices that include multiple new conference and
meeting rooms.



The Parish Government Complex also has a new phone system with a switchboard
operator at 278-4200, something that had been lacking since Katrina.
Upstairs saw renovations as well including new flooring, ceilings, paint and
other minor renovations. There will be a much welcomed brand new elevator in
the building as well.



Since June 2006, the Council on Aging has been located in trailers next to
the Parish Government Complex. The repairs on the complex began in early
2008 and the original Council on Aging building was demolished over the
summer.



The new 10,000 square feet facility built at a cost of $2,750,000 includes a
state-of-the-art, commercial kitchen, a media room, an exercise room,
laundry facilities and a huge eating and recreation area. It also contains
staff offices, a conference room and multiple storage areas. Various
programs and activities are offered daily specifically designed for seniors.
A monthly calendar of events is available at the COA Center or online at
www.sbcoa.org <http://www.sbcoa.org/> .



At the opening, President Taffaro thanked the council for its help and named
Councilman Frank Auderer, Wayne Landry, Ray Lauga, George Cavignac, Kenny
Henderson, Mike Ginart and Fred Everhardt.



At the ceremony inside the Council on Aging, McNeil gave gifts of
appreciation to her Board of Directors, which includes President Patrice
Cusimano, Judge Robert Buckley, Kathy Roussel, George Miller, the Rev. Jesse
Boyd, Sandra Gorbaty, Tyrone Ben, Floyd Herty, Joanie Forsyth, David Mowers
and Myrty Alfonso.



She recognized her Advisory Board: Nunez Community College Chancellor Tommy
Warner, Al Avenel, Anthony Amadeo, Anna Cusimano, Grace Montz, Frank
Marchese, Mary Buckley, Martin Gallardo and Camille Trahan.



She also gave special gifts of thanks to George Miller, Parish President
Craig Taffaro and Joy Pell, the former director. She also recognized the
following supporters who were not present: Past COA President Dan Johnson,
Willie Deano, a long-time supporter, and Rita Gue of the Meraux Foundation
which donated a van to the COA. McNeil also recognized Doug Landry of CDM,
Timothy McDonald and Butch Seube of T-Mac construction. And Charlie Ward
from Rozas Ward Architects.



Chalmette Refining and Murphy Oil sponsored the grand opening refreshments,
which included a lunch of salad and red beans and rice.



Learn more about St. Bernard's Recovery and Growth at its website,
www.sbpg.net <http://www.sbpg.net/> .



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